He’s the ghost with the most: a moldy, decaying, concoction of phlegm and philandery who is eager to help rid your home of those pesky living people who can make your death a living hell. Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Beetlejuice in the 1988 film rapidly became a staple of late ‘80s pop culture and continues to be recognized today. From the film to television to the toy aisles, Beetlejuice wormed his way into our homes and lives in one way or another (or all three).

In the NEWS

Warner Brothers cuts Six Billion Dollars in upgrades as the anticipated and updated Steve Austin movie gets yanked from their release schedule. News from Thra continues to enthrall fans of The Dark Crystal as producers confirm that the upcoming Netflix series will be free from computer generated effects. That galaxy far, far away draws ever nearer as China plans to build an artificial moon (“That’s no moon.”) and NASA floats the concept of Cloud City on Venus in future plans. Christmas presents are already being anticipated with Target’s Big Book, an announcement about a Toys ‘R’ Us reemergence, and a Kurt Russell Christmas movie. There is a lot to talk about in the world of #TechnoRetro goodness!

We Love Our Cereal…

…and the Roving Spoonster has bowls full of sweet breakfast goodies to share with a unique cereal cup, Golden Girls cereal, a Canadian pop-up cereal cafe, and the first Christmas-based cereal to hit store shelves.

Beetlejuice

Tim Burton’s 1988 Halloweenish movie (released in March of that year) introduced movie-goers to a disgusting and deadly creature from the other side who enjoys scaring the life out of the living in Beetlejuice. Stinky, filthy, and foul-mouthed, Beetlejuice specializes in his own brand of haunting in this unique and oddly funny addition to the ever-growing library of movies you might enjoy around Halloween. If you’ve never seen Beetlejuice, take a trip down to your local video rental store and grab a VHS for viewing this Wednesday. Parental guidance definitely suggested.

Saturday Mornings

From the silver screen to the small screen, kids could get in on the fun of Beetlejuice in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, too. The animated version of the green-haired weirdo from who-knows-when engaged younger viewers who may have missed the Michael Keaton version when they turned on their TVs on Saturday mornings. Voiced by Stephen Ouimette, the titular antagonizer isn’t quite as villainous as his live-action counterpart, but the grodinous of the character isn’t a far cry from the 1988 version.

Toys in the Attic

Not enough Beetlejuice for you, EarBuds? Perhaps you remember the action figures that featured Beetlejuice in various outfits from the film as well as his “friends” in the netherworld. From film to television to plastic, Beetlejuice continued to entice the unsuspecting world to call out his name three times so he could wreak havoc on the land of the living.

Feedback

We’re able to dip into the mail bag for some great pics of Jack o’ Lanterns created by our EarBuds. You can view them on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds! Be sure to subscribe on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merch at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Dungeons & Dragons was part of every GenXer’s experience growing up, whether they played the game or not. From the “Satanic Panic” to the toys, magazines, and cartoon, D&D prevailed in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Even today, as comic book stores and specialty shops host in-house role-playing games, Dungeons & Dragons continues to be an important part of pop culture. This week, shazbazzar and JediShua invite SuperFriend Michael Witwer to talk about Dungeons & Dragons Art and Arcana, his second publication centered around this “Daddy of Modern Gaming”.

Dungeons & Dragons Art and Arcana

Co-authored by Michael Witwer, Kyle Newman, Jon Peterson, and Sam Witwer, this oversized hardcover focuses on the artwork essential to understanding a game that was often played with little more than a pencil, some paper, strangely-shaped dice, and a lot of imagination. Yet, as the book’s subtitle proclaims, this 400+ page tome is more than a high-quality art book, it is indeed a Visual History of the game itself as well as its impact on the culture of the ‘70s and ‘80s and even today. The history of the game and its various editions runs throughout the course of the book, as original artwork from the ‘70s to the ‘10s fills every page in brilliant, full color reproductions.

From artwork created for the game itself to images surrounding the game, such as actual advertisements and flyers, photographs of items that inspired aspects of the game, and even early drafts and sketches of the game’s most memorable features, Dungeons & Dragons Art and Arcana is a treasure worthy of the adventure — and it’s available for purchase tomorrow.

Join shazbazzar and JediShua as they talk to co-author Michael Witwer about the contents of the book, its origins, and general discussion about Dungeons & Dragons itself. TechnoRetro Dads recommend not only the book itself, but (if you can get a copy, the Special Edition of the book with some great ephemera for those with a penchant for history and rarities of days gone by). You’ll love Dungeons & Dragons Art and Arcana — and we hope you enjoy this episode of TechnoRetro Dads, too.

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds! Don’t get burned by missing a single episode of TechnoRetro Dads — subscribe on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merch at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

The winds and rains ceased, but the trees kept tumbling down after Hurricane Michael pounded the SouthEast last week, but even with the lights out, shazbazzar got his MacGyver on by fashioning a light from a pumpkin, a candle, and a knife. Discover more about October Oddities and a classic ‘80s TV show on this “better late than never” episode of TechnoRetro Dads.

From the Irish folk tales of “Stingy Jack” to front porch adornments, Jack o’ Lanterns have a rich history that will surely surprise you.

Halloween Candy

With the ingenuity of MacGyver, Jack o’ Lanterns were transformed from actual pumpkins with carved faces with lights inside into plastic buckets for carrying candy for Trick or Treaters. JediShua and shazbazzar remember some of the popular candies from the ‘80s to warm up your sweet tooth and get you ready for the upcoming holiday.

MacGyver “The Secret of Parker House”

The secret agent with an engineer’s mind solved problems each week on MacGyver for seven seasons from the ‘80s to the ‘90s. Thirty years ago, MacGyver aired a spooky episode for Halloween with mystery, music, intrigue, and a skeleton. How will Angus “Mac” MacGyver save Penny from certain doom? Find out as we spoil the ending of “The Secret of Parker House”.

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds! Don’t let the ghosts of the ‘70s and ‘80s fade from your memory by missing an episode of TechnoRetro Dads — subscribe on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merch at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Whether you need something to pick up your spirits or make ghosts float, the hair-raising spookiness of this week’s TechnoRetro Dads will possess you with urges for cereal and cartoons, snack cakes and TV shows, toys, games, and even more canned laughter. Cover your eyes and plug in your ear buds, EarBuds, and the ‘Dads will heighten your October outlook with fun and frights (and few insights) this morning or tonight.

In the NEWS

Star Wars is all over the news this week and it looks like TechnoRetro Dads are the last to cover it when it’s actually new. Besides Star Wars Reads Month, the ‘Dads speculate on rumors surrounding The Mandalorian, a live-action series helmed by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni’s part in the series (of course, since recording this episode, much more information has been forthcoming). But not all the news is old Star Wars news. Oh, no! EarBud T-Bird provides even older news for the ‘Dads with 3500 year-old ingredients for pumpkin spice (or is it purple-yam pie spice?). Now that’s news!

We Love Our Cereal…

…and the Roving Spoonster loves fruity-shaped Trix coming back some twenty years after being discontinued, JediShua loves looking for Elvira cereal by Funko, and shazbazzar loves getting visions of ghosts from his past upon seeing a picture of a box of OJ cereal.

October Oddity: Pop-Culture Ghosts

Although their presence is sensed throughout the year, our cultural fascination with ghosts only increases during the month of October. People love getting spooked by the idea of discorporate beings floating around to advise, prank, or otherwise involve themselves in the daily lives of the living. JediShua and shazbazzar remember some pop-culture ghosts from their childhood. Strangely, the ghosts of Poltergeist and Ob-Wan from The Empire Strikes Back didn’t jump out at them. It’s at times like these when there’s something strange in TechnoRetro minds that you just ask yourself, “Who am I gonna call?”

TechnoRetro Arcade

In 1988, Capcom released the third arcade game in the Ghosts ’n Goblins series of games, Ghouls ’n Ghosts. Arthur the knight must once again rescue his sweetheart Princess Prin Prin from the clutches of ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and other inhabitants of the Great Demon World Village. This time, Arthur’s abilities increase as do the opponents who attack him from the underworld and the damage they can inflict if he doesn’t DUCK!

Saturday Mornings

When the world outside your window is just a bit too normal on a Saturday morning, you could embrace the paranormal with The Real Ghostbusters, the animated version of the characters introduced in the 1984 movie Ghostbusters. Egon, Venkman, Ray, and Winston are joined by Slimer and a host of other ghosts in every episode of The Real Ghostbusters were gleefully welcomed to the televisions of kids in the mid-eighties to early-nineties.

Toys in the Attic

Not only did The Real Ghostbusters find their place on the small screen during this time, but they graced the pegs and shelves of toy stores and toy boxes in kids’ rooms everywhere. Like many movies and TV shows of the time (Star Wars, Transformers, G.I. Joe), The Real Ghostbusters seized the opportunity to turn plastic ghosts into profits with Kenner figures that enabled kids to continue the adventures of Slimer, Ray, Winston, Peter, and Egon as they interact with the paranormal in an effort to protect the public (for a fee, of course).

Feedback

EarBuds submit questions, ideas, and memories through electronic-M, Twitter, and Discord about a variety of techno and retro topics.

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds! Don’t let the ghosts of the ‘70s and ‘80s fade from your memory by missing an episode of TechnoRetro Dads — subscribe on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merch at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Welcome to October, EarBuds! Pass through the creaky garden gate and step cautiously as you wind your way along the weedy cobblestone path. Once you’ve passed under the schpooky tree from whence Gramma gained her schtick, step up on the porch and open the door to our haunted house party for a month of creepy-crawly kooky fun. Only 30 days ’til Hallowe’en!

In the NEWS

Star Wars is all over the news this week as Gary Kurtz is fondly remembered by family, friends, and fans alike. From American Graffiti to Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back to The Dark Crystal, Gary Kurtz produced many great memories of our childhood. Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge is garnering attention as the countdown to the launch of “Star Wars Land” continues. Luke Skywalker dons the garb of a Knight Templar in the History Channel’s Knightfall.

We Love Our Cereal…

…and some cereal would be right at home in the pantry of any reputable haunted house. In addition to the annual appearance of General Mills’ Monster Cereals, Reese’s Puffs adds some seasonal spice to its appearance with Reese’s Puffs Bats.

The Roving Spoonster keeps us updated on the cereal trademark controversy Down Under as a judgment is made in the Weet-Bix vs Weetabix conundrum plaguing Australasia in New Zealand.

October Oddity: Haunted House

All month, the ‘Dads will talk about the marks of the Hallowe’en (Halloween) season with their memories of the traditional fare that can send chills up your spine and warm your heart at the same time. This week, we dare to journey into a haunted house (or two, or three, or…) from the ‘80s when everyone paid to be afraid. Whether your experience was in a mall or storefront location, a dilapidated old house or building, an amusement park or carnival ride, or even out in the woods, the Haunted House continues to be an iconic part of October.

TechnoRetro Arcade

Atari gathered their pixels to join this haunted house party, too, with their Adventure-like maze/puzzle cartridge for the Atari 2600, Haunted House. This game program features four floors of fun (?) for gamers who move their square eyes around in the dark to find Mr. Graves’ urn so they can escape his haunted house. Watch out for ghosts, bats, and spiders in this confusing and challenging game from 1982.

Toys in the Attic

Finally, shazbazzar and JediShua tone down the scare factor just a tad with miniature versions of the haunted house. From the Weebles Haunted House to Colorforms Castle Dracula to Ideal’s Haunted House game and Disney’s Haunted Mansion Game, these plastic, vinyl, and cardboard toys and games are not for those easily frightened by glowing ghosts, hooting owls, or wobbly witches. Oh, and don’t forgey Remco’s Mini-Monsters!

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds! Don’t be afraid of missing an episode of spooky and kooky trips to the ‘70s and ‘80s — subscribe to TechoRetro Dads on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merch at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.